3 great monsoon-friendly hairstyles for long hair

No more knots and frizz

The monsoon season brings many beauty challenges. One that is especially difficult is trying to manage long hair (we’ve all walked out the door and had our long locks turn into a frizz ball when caught in the rain). We spend years growing it out, so spending the monsoon sporting bad hair isn’t an option we are willing to take. Finding hairstyles for long hair that work well for the change in the weather is key for a happy rainy season. We asked hair guru, Paul Podlucky, whose clients include Tory Burch, Aerin Lauder and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, (who all happen to have long, beautiful hair) for his best hair tips for the monsoons and three hairstyles for long hair that work even if you get caught in the rain.

Why you need to pay attention to your haircutThe most important and easiest tip for keeping your hair looking well-maintained during the monsoon season is to start with a great cut. If you get caught in the rain and your hair has to air dry, this will be your best-kept secret. “A cut that maintains the structural integrity of the hair and complements its natural texture is key,” says Podlucky. A well-layered haircut completes long hair and adds body. If you are up for it, a long, side bang creates a sexy addition that complements the face structure. “Hair that’s not overly groomed is what’s trendy right now, so start with clean hair, a layered cut and go from there. There’s a return of the ’80s bob on curly or wavy hair with natural bangs.” For something more unique and a celebrity favourite, try a head wrap, pinned, and tied loosely into the hair to save you from the rain.

Hairstyles to try:

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A loose chignon

Image: Instagram.com/sonamkapoor

A loose chignon

A loose chignon is a practical style to keep your hair off of your face, yet still gives that I-didn’t-try-too-hard feel. Try Podlucky’s step-by-step guide to master this style. First, prep fine hair with mousse for volume and texture. If your hair is coarser, it will respond better to a grooming cream rather than a mousse. Pull hair in a mid crown ponytail and secure it with a rubber band. Throw it up in a loosely-wrapped bun and secure with U-pins. Don’t spend too much time on it or try to perfect the bun, as Podlucky says, “the point is not to overly fuss. A loose style can handle the season better than a stiff hairstyle that will crack at the first drop of rain.”

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Messy pony

Image: Viral Bhayani

Messy pony

“The key to a flattering pony is the prep. Start with dry shampoo at the root and tease the hair in the crown for lift.” Using a boar bristle brush, gather and scoop the hair into a ponytail. Use a rubber band for a lower ponytail or a hair bungee (a hook-ended string) for a higher ponytail. Paul’s tip is if you have a difficult time with a rubber band, simply use bungee cords: every stylist’s secret trick! Add sea salt/dry wax spray for added texture to the body of the pony, and serum to smooth any rough ends.

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Half-up half down

Image: Viral Bhayani

Half-up half down

The half-up half-down hairstyle is on trend this year, yet has always been timeless. Prep the hair with dry spray wax or dry shampoo to give shape and volume, while keeping the hair in place. Twist the top half in a messy bun and secure with U-pins. Once secure, gently pull out tiny bits of hair in the front to frame the face. “This look is easy to do and if you get caught in the monsoon, it’ll just look cooler”, says Paul. Luckily, if your hair gets wet, the ‘lived-in’ look is in, so it just adds to the style. The fuss-free aspect is what makes this look more youthful and modern, so let it fall out naturally throughout the day

Has the rainy season got you stressed about how to take care of your hair? Has frizz management taken over your entire beauty routine? Twice a week, we will help you navigate the muddy pool that is the monsoon with our ‘Monsoon Hair Handbook’ series.